How to Treat Gluten Sensitivity in the United States?

Gluten sensitivity is often referred to as Gluten intolerance, which wouldn’t be incorrect, but in medical terms, Gluten sensitivity may be regarded as a milder form of Gluten Intolerance. Sensitivity to gluten is a condition that causes gas, bloating, and indigestion post gluten consumption. It is also known as non-celiac gluten sensitivity.

Although the symptoms of a person suffering from gluten sensitivity would be quite similar to the symptoms of a person suffering from celiac disease, gluten-sensitive people do not have antibodies or abnormal genes in their blood.

About 6% out of the entire US population are gluten sensitive or intolerant. Gluten Sensitivity Treatment in the United States is, therefore, a major concern. In this article, we’ll talk about various dos and don’ts that can help to treat gluten sensitivity in the united states.

Symptoms of Gluten Sensitivity 

Common signs and symptoms shown by people who are sensitive to gluten, post its consumption include:

• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Skin rash
• Abdominal cramps
• Anxiety
• Anemia
• Bloating
• Gas
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Joint pain
• Focus and attention issues
• Trouble concentrating
• Depression

Treatment of Gluten Sensitivity

Countless foods, drinks, and various other products contain gluten which may lead to accidental Gluten exposure. In that case, you may follow these measures for the treatment of gluten sensitivity as per Ayurveda: –

• Consume small meals that are spice and oil-free.
• Drink Ginger or Peppermint Tea to soothe an upset stomach.
• Drink plenty of water to flush the system and improve hydration.

Foods to Avoid

Many food items need to be avoided if one is allergic to gluten. It is always best to check labeling and ingredients when purchasing groceries to avoid any symptoms.

Below is a list of foods that may consist of gluten, therefore, must necessarily be avoided:

• Beer
• Other grain-based alcohol or beverages
• Canned soups
• Seasonings
• Soy Sauce
• Candy bars
• Ketchup
• Mustard
• Salad Dressings
• Ice cream
• Processed meats like sausages
• Cereals
• Bread
• Pasta

Certain non-food items may also contain gluten. These include:

• Vitamin products
• Toothpaste
• Cosmetics like lipsticks, lip balms, and lip gloss.
• Postage stamps
• Medications

The Low FODMAP Diet 

FODMAP may be expanded as “Fermentable Oligosaccharides, Disaccharides, Monosaccharides, and Polyols” which are a short chain of carbohydrates and sugar alcohols that are contained in wheat and wheat-based products.

When FODMAPs are not properly digested by the system they may cause abdominal pain and cramps. According to various studies, these wheat components may be responsible for NCGS (non-celiac gluten sensitivity), and following a low FODMAP diet may substantially help.

Foods that may contain FODMAP and are restricted, when following this diet plan are:

• Cabbage
• Onion
• Cauliflower
• Broccoli
• Asparagus
• Snow peas
• Artichoke
• Leak
• Beets
• Sweet corn
• Celery
• Brussel Sprouts

Other foods that are restricted in a low FODMAP diet include:

• Garlic
• Mushrooms
• Nuts
• Dairy products
• Fruits such as peaches, nectarines, apples, watermelon, cherries, blackberries, mangoes, prunes, plums, and dried fruits.
• Bread, pasta, and cereals.
• Alcohol
• Isomalt
• Processed beverages
• Nuts
• Sweeteners

The Gluten-Free Diet 

Following a Gluten-Free Diet (GFD) is one of the most popular natural treatment options for Gluten Sensitivity. A GFD promotes the consumption of foods that are free from gluten and specifically eliminates wheat, barley, and rye from the diet. Other than these three grains, one must also necessarily avoid other varieties of wheat which include Durum Wheat, Whole Wheat, Graham, Wheat Berries, Farina, Farro, Bulgur, Spelt, Bromated Flour, and Kamut.

Triticale is another such grain that must be avoided when following a Gluten-Free Diet. The grain is a mixture of Rye and Wheat.

Foods that are GFD friendly are:

• Quinoa
• Wild rice
• Brown rice
• Tapioca
• Sorghum
• Oats
• Amaranth
• Millet 

Conclusion

Eliminating the intake of wheat may lead to complications by affecting the overall health due to lack of proper nutrition and deficiency of iron and folic acid. Therefore, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider or a dietician before following GFD.

For this purpose, you can also contact us at IAFA® where our Ayurvedic experts will provide the right dietary guidelines and treatment plan for you. These treatment measures will help you to treat gluten sensitivity successfully in the United States.